Wacken Metal Battle

GREECE-CYPRUS

WMB: GR-CY Events Information

Wacken Metal Battle offers unsigned metal bands a unique opportunity: the chance to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the most iconic and influential festivals in the global metal scene.

In 2026, Cyprus joins forces with Greece to form a single competitive region. For the first time, Cypriot bands can compete for a spot at Wacken Open Air 2026, with the top band

selected from a regional final in Athens.

Over 95 countries around the world now participate in this global initiative and Cyprus is officially on the map!

JAN 17TH CY FINAL

6 qualifying bands (determined by judges vote) battle it out.

30 minute performance set per band.

2 bands (chosen by attending judges vote) will then perform in the

REGIONAL FINAL IN ATHENS!

APRIL 5TH - REGIONAL FINAL

6 qualifying bands (4 Greek, 2 Cypriot) battle it out.

20 minute performance set per band.

1 winning band (chosen by attending judges vote) competes at

WACKEN OPEN AIR!

Competition Information

Who can apply - Rules & Requirements

To be eligible for Wacken Metal Battle: Greece/Cyprus 2026, bands must meet the following conditions:

Play original metal music — no cover bands or tribute acts
Have no current record deal (distribution deals and self-releases are allowed)
All band members must be 18+ years old by the time of Wacken 2026
Must be RESIDENTS in Cyprus or Greece.

Bands must cover their own travel expenses for both national/regional Metal Battle events and international travel to Wacken Open Air. No travel costs will be covered by the event organisers.

Be available to perform live in:

Cyprus ( 17th January 2026)
Athens (5th April 2026)
Germany (Wacken 29 July - 1st August 2026) if selected!

Full official rules: www.metal-battle.com/rules

FIVE REASONS TO PLAY AT THE METAL BATTLE

Play with top bands from all across the world.
Be a part of the biggest heavy metal family in the world.
Meet & network with the most important names in the music business.
Spread your music to the most awesome fans in the world.
Win cash prize & merchandise.

Competition Format & Judging

Application Review (Oct–Dec 2025)

Judges will review all Cyprus-based applications and select

6 bands to compete live in the Cyprus Final.

They will assess each band's submitted music, video footage, biography, and online presence.

Judges for Application Stage:

Salman U Syed: Official Wacken Metal Battle
Eric Hutchence: WMB Caucasus/West Asia
George Cohylakis - WMB Greece
Vangelis Cohylakis - WMB Greece

What the Judges Are Looking For:

Judges are selecting bands not just for talent, but for readiness and professionalism, artists capable of stepping onto a major international stage.

They’ll evaluate:

Musicianship & Songwriting
Performance Potential
Professional Presentation (Strong bios, visual material, and a complete, thoughtful application)
Technical Preparedness (Ability to provide tech riders, stage plots, and coordinate logistics professionally)
Activity & Commitment (Gigs, releases, or other evidence the band is actively working toward growth)
Online Visibility

Cyprus Final – 17th January 2026 ( Larnaca - Savino Live)

Live event featuring 6 selected bands. 2 bands will be chosen to represent Cyprus in the regional final in Athens.

Judges for Cyprus Final:

Salman U Syed: Official Wacken Metal Battle
Eric Hutchence: WMB Caucasus/West Asia
George Cohylakis - WMB Greece
Vangelis Cohylakis - WMB Greece

Greece/Cyprus Final – April 5th, 2026 (Athens – AN Club)

4 Greek bands + 2 Cypriot bands perform live. 1 band will earn a slot at Wacken Open Air 2026.

Judges for Regional Final:

George Cohylakis - WMB Greece
Evangelos Syrigos - WMB Greece
Michalis Angastiniotis - WMB Cyprus
Melina Green - WMB Cyprus

Winning Band: What you could win!

One band from the Greece/Cyprus region will perform live at Wacken Open Air 2026.

Top-performing bands at Wacken will receive:

Financial support from the Wacken Foundation.
Instruments and gear from Metal Battle partners.
Exposure to global industry professionals, including labels, agents, and promoters.